Hydro CEO Brandtzæg appointed NTNU chairman

(05.12.2013)Hydro President and CEO Svein Richard Brandtzæg has been appointed chairman of NTNU, effective 1 January 2014.

Former Member of Parliament Per-Kristian Foss is leaving the position, effective the same date, for a post in the Norwegian government as Auditor-General.

Brandtzæg has served has a board member with national and international companies and organizations, including chairman of the European Aluminium Association and the International Aluminium Institute, which represent 60 percent of world production of bauxite, alumina and aluminum.

Svein Richard Brandtzæg was born in Haugesund in 1957. He holds a PhD in inorganic chemistry from NTNU and also has a business degree from the Norwegian Business School (BI). Brandtzæg has been associated with Hydro since 1986, as head of departments and business areas, and as President and CEO from 2009.

Rector Gunnar Bovim says he wishes Brandtzæg welcome as new chairman, and expresses gratitude to Foss for his efforts.

"During the months Foss has been chairman of the board at NTNU, he has left his mark. He has put in a significant effort for NTNU finance and strategic development. On behalf of the university, I thank him for that. At the same time, it is wonderful that the Ministry has now appointed a successor with the experience and expertise that will surely benefit NTNU for years to come," says Bovim, who is looking forward to collaborating with the new chairman.

Brandtzæg is looking forward to taking on the assignment.

"NTNU aims to be a sought-after partner for leading knowledge institutions and companies nationally and internationally. The university's academic breadth and expertise provides unique opportunities to solve complex challenges. The interaction between society, culture, people and technology are part of my everyday life as head of Hydro and the key to the future of Norway. I look forward to contributing to NTNU's development in all areas," says Brandtzæg.